In short, the difference in assessing the realism of Iron Man versus the realism of the MJOLNIR system can be stated as follows: while the main, basic principles behind Iron Man perhaps transcend the realm of what we can reasonably expect to ever create, the finer details in Stark’s creation are very much realistic due to the environment in which the suit was built to operate: modern-day anti-terrorism situations on Earth.  The main premise you have to get over with Iron Man is that you can take fusion reactor technology that would probably be the size of a building if ever invented and shrink it down to the size of your fist, while giving off less waste heat than required to make someone uncomfortable with it in their chest. (Perkowitz)  The other issue, and this one is just as far-fetched as the power source, is the ability of something that fits comfortably over a man’s body to fly like a fighter jet – without wings, engines, or a gas tank (welcome to the wonder of repulsor technology).

Contrarywise, with MJOLNIR, the basic principles are, if not realistic, then at least feasible; while the finer details of the suit are out-of-this-world because… well, so is the suit’s functional environment.  If or when powered armor is sent into combat, it will indeed very likely depend on multi-functional layers for various degrees of protection and mobility.  And while MJOLNIR suffers from the same main credibility problem as Iron Man – a compressed fusion-based power source – in MJOLNIR the pack is a bit bigger and worn on the back rather than in the chest.  In terms of compression feasibility the difference is insignificant but in terms of waste heat, wearing the pack ON you rather than IN you at least allows for conceivable insulation by some super-high-efficiency heat-absorbing material.  In finer details, the suit falls short of realism with its energy shields, user’s ceramic ossification, and unreasonable agility given its half-ton curb weight.

In terms of the technology involved, sensor, motion detecting controls based such as what are seen in the HULC and XOS will likely be the norm for military applications for quite some time, and nerve sensing systems will be more prevalent in civilian use. In time, these nerve sensors may give rise to BCI controlled suits. Tethered systems will likely be the first to become widespread, with battery powered suits being used for more specialized applications, such as military use. Finally, titanium and similar light metals will be the primary material used in frames for some time, until a suitable replacement can be developed. This replacement will likely take the form of carbon nanofibers.

Based on the materials, advanced research, and importance of powered armor system going forward we (as a group of well versed researchers) expect some sort of powered armor assisting specialized soldiers in the next 15-20 years.  It is important to emphasize that this does not mean we expect Iron Man type machine/human interfaces flying around and causing general mayhem but rather (similar to the embedded youtube clip) robotic assistance for soldiers on the battlefield.  Additional applications for such assistance could prove to be hugely important as the technology progresses.  Do not be surprised if firefighters, EMT’s, or construction workers are using the technology of powered armor to save lives, build buildings, or general fun and entertainment.